It's double agony for Ilkley Town after Wharfedale Cup and promotion blows

Ilkley Town are vowing to pick themselves up after suffering two devastating blows on the same day.

As if the agony of losing Saturday’s Wharfedale FA Cup final to a goal in the final seconds of extra time wasn’t enough, they came off the field to discover they had missed out on promotion too.

The disappointment of surrendering their hold on the district cup after a 2-1 defeat by Pool, was compounded when news came through that Knaresborough had defeated Wyke 1-0 to pip Ilkley for second place in the West Yorkshire League Division One.

Town manager Simon Armstrong said: “It was a tough day, but we all accept that we didn’t play well in the cup final. We just didn’t get going and Pool won the match with a goal I timed as being two seconds from the end.

“Missing promotion is a blow too, but the players should remember that this has been our been our best season and we can build on it.

“It is just a shame for the lads that they should have nothing to show for their efforts.”

He added: “We will take a bit of a break and then start preparing for next season.

“We have some talented players at the club and I am sure there are good times ahead.”

Club chairman Richard Giles echoed his manager’s sentiments. He said: “We have got more points, scored more goals and finished higher than we have done before.

“I am sure that the setbacks we have suffered will make us stronger in the future.

“The players have nothing to be ashamed about. They have played some great football and contributed to a superb season for the club.

“The reserves have won promotion, the under-17s have done the league and cup double, the under-16s have won their league and the Wharfedale Junior Cup, while the under-13s and under-10 have won their leagues too.

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